Saturday, October 29, 2011
Hey, how's it going? Now with the formalities out of the way, I shall share about something. At first, I didn't really know what to share. But then something hit me during the week.
Well, in my class, there is this girl who is socially awkward. And because the other class informed our Personal Tutor about this little situation, the class leader had to make her feel welcome. But in my opinion, she and us (the class) were on different wavelengths. We were just very different people from different sides of the world. Then, I saw that my classmates went all out of the way to make her feel comfortable. And I felt that is was unnecessary because if she will feel out of place, and if we wanted to make her feel comfortable, we had to somewhat put on a front, which was tiring and not worth while.
Well, in my class, there is this girl who is socially awkward. And because the other class informed our Personal Tutor about this little situation, the class leader had to make her feel welcome. But in my opinion, she and us (the class) were on different wavelengths. We were just very different people from different sides of the world. Then, I saw that my classmates went all out of the way to make her feel comfortable. And I felt that is was unnecessary because if she will feel out of place, and if we wanted to make her feel comfortable, we had to somewhat put on a front, which was tiring and not worth while.
Moreover, she was not really making the effort to gel with the class, for example, she doesn't go to lunch with us. So at the back of my mind, I was thinking, do we have to go out of the way and countlessly invite her??
THEN BOOM... I realised that is what God taught us, and He himself is a example of His word. How many times did God go out of the way for us? Countless! So i realised that we as Christians should do as we are taught.
Even if we are dreading to do it, we still have to make a small effort, then God can do the rest, as long as we have a willing heart. Trust me, inside I am killing myself to be nice to her. But I am learning....still learning.
Well that was the end of this week's big story, I hope that it did us some good:D
what we could have been, 4:57 AM.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Hey guys,
I think this will be the second time that I am posting something up onto the cell blog. Have been really busy with my school and other stuff. Today, I have the urge to read up some of the messages online, in which I found one of the messages really meaningful to everyone of us.
In life, everyone is bound to be disappointed at a certain time frame. Some which can be easily forgotten while some might be etched deep in our hearts. These had therefore become a stumbling block in our life which prevented us from moving forward as we keep holding on to them instead of leaving them unto God.
According to the story of Cain and Abel, we all know that both of them are the son of Adam and Eve. Like every other siblings, they loved each other despite occasional fights. Cain got angry at Abel, thinking that God preferred Abel as Abel's offering was completely burnt up on the altar but his just smouldered a bit. Anger aroused, Cain killed Abel. In Genesis 4:8 "Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him".
Knowing that the acceptance of worship depends on the heart of the worshiper - Cain's heart was wrong; Abel's heart was right.
Adam and Eve would have been devastated. In Genesis 4:25, "God has appointed another seed unto us." So, even if we are at our lowest peak and lost of hope, God always has another option for us and that will be one in which He thinks it will be best for us. God has already plan everything ahead even before the event occurs and that Him appointing another seed and doing something new in our life.
From the word 'seed', we know that it will grow into a beautiful flower in the future. Likewise, God planting another seed in our life would mean that our future will be even better than before. This would only happen if we let go of the past such as our disappointments, angers, etc. and just keep moving forward.
God has another seed plan for us!
The future will be brighter than the past!
[Post Motivated By Joel Osteen]
Hope those who are feeling down or have something etched deep in the heart for a long time, be motivated by this as God has another plan for us. Another seed..
Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future."
Cheers! (^.^)
-Carmen
I think this will be the second time that I am posting something up onto the cell blog. Have been really busy with my school and other stuff. Today, I have the urge to read up some of the messages online, in which I found one of the messages really meaningful to everyone of us.
In life, everyone is bound to be disappointed at a certain time frame. Some which can be easily forgotten while some might be etched deep in our hearts. These had therefore become a stumbling block in our life which prevented us from moving forward as we keep holding on to them instead of leaving them unto God.
According to the story of Cain and Abel, we all know that both of them are the son of Adam and Eve. Like every other siblings, they loved each other despite occasional fights. Cain got angry at Abel, thinking that God preferred Abel as Abel's offering was completely burnt up on the altar but his just smouldered a bit. Anger aroused, Cain killed Abel. In Genesis 4:8 "Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him".
Knowing that the acceptance of worship depends on the heart of the worshiper - Cain's heart was wrong; Abel's heart was right.
Adam and Eve would have been devastated. In Genesis 4:25, "God has appointed another seed unto us." So, even if we are at our lowest peak and lost of hope, God always has another option for us and that will be one in which He thinks it will be best for us. God has already plan everything ahead even before the event occurs and that Him appointing another seed and doing something new in our life.
From the word 'seed', we know that it will grow into a beautiful flower in the future. Likewise, God planting another seed in our life would mean that our future will be even better than before. This would only happen if we let go of the past such as our disappointments, angers, etc. and just keep moving forward.
God has another seed plan for us!
The future will be brighter than the past!
[Post Motivated By Joel Osteen]
Hope those who are feeling down or have something etched deep in the heart for a long time, be motivated by this as God has another plan for us. Another seed..
Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future."
Cheers! (^.^)
-Carmen
what we could have been, 9:51 AM.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
These are a few things that I came across recently that ties together pretty well!
"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
-Titus 3:3-7
Again, Daniel 9:18 is reinforced. Not because of our righteousness but because of His mercy.
Failing to acknowledge this is PRIDE.
Pride: Claiming authorship for something we do not deserve. (Kenny's sermon on Healing of Pride)
Moreover, it is important to acknowledge this in order to have "doubt that comes from ingratitude: by knowing that you're a sinner and in need of grace." (Kenny's sermon on Questioning God)
We should have the same attitude as that of Pastor Edmund Chan:
"When I reflect upon my own life, I gratefully see God's redemptive signature on it too. In spite of my pride and prejudice. In spite of my dirt and darkness. I discover it is not so much my story, as it is His story. A story of God's gracious redemption of my life."
-Cultivating Your Inner Life, Chapter 1 My Inner-Life Pilgrimage.
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
-Mel
"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
-Titus 3:3-7
Again, Daniel 9:18 is reinforced. Not because of our righteousness but because of His mercy.
Failing to acknowledge this is PRIDE.
Pride: Claiming authorship for something we do not deserve. (Kenny's sermon on Healing of Pride)
Moreover, it is important to acknowledge this in order to have "doubt that comes from ingratitude: by knowing that you're a sinner and in need of grace." (Kenny's sermon on Questioning God)
We should have the same attitude as that of Pastor Edmund Chan:
"When I reflect upon my own life, I gratefully see God's redemptive signature on it too. In spite of my pride and prejudice. In spite of my dirt and darkness. I discover it is not so much my story, as it is His story. A story of God's gracious redemption of my life."
-Cultivating Your Inner Life, Chapter 1 My Inner-Life Pilgrimage.
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
-Mel
what we could have been, 8:22 AM.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
HAI Guys!
Been long time since I've really been really really close to God(cause i keep never come) but i know he is always around me guiding me and showing me the way. The previous week I have forgotten him at times and yet he still shows me his love and mercy is unending.
Yesterday i practically went for the New Balance Run for 10km. Totally unprepared because haven't been training or running much. But i made a short prayer that i would survive and i did. I know this may seem small but its the small things that reminds me of his love and grace and protection that is with me. Even though i had a few blisters on my feet, i came upon this verse even though it was totally out of context: "Surely God is my help, the Lord is the one who sustains me." from somewhere in Psalms. Surely God pulled me through the run and gave me strength.
I want to share something i read up on during my quiet time as well. Its from the book Cultivating Your Inner life by Edmund Chan. This guy mentions that our inner life has at least five dimensions mainly: Our inner compulsions, convictions, conscience, compass and composure.
To me, inner life is something people don't see. Something under the surface and hidden in each and every one of us. However, today i shall share about compulsions. He mentions that if left unchecked our negative compulsions would fuel our self destructive behavior. I think its rather true in a sense that our compulsions come from our feelings and emotions. Be it selfishness or hate, simple provocations by people that we dislike can simply force us to have such negative compulsions. Knowing this, I know I have some anger issues like seriously. I choke up all these bitterness and harshness inside of me before i blow up like a volcano. However, i tend to forget to seek god in these moments of temporary anger. Knowing this I am still trying my bestest to seek him whenever such events occur so that i do not hurt friendships with friends and family members. I believe that compulsions are an important part of our lives. Sometimes driven by fear or aspirations we tend to make decisions and do things that are not appropriate. Everyone has compulsions. But the He says: "My farce is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." We are only human. Let us rely on God to over come all these compulsions we have as we know he would always be there to guide us and love us :)
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Let us be reminded of his plans for us always and that he is always by our sides no matter what and ready to hear our prayers if any.
Have a great week all~!
Jared
Been long time since I've really been really really close to God(cause i keep never come) but i know he is always around me guiding me and showing me the way. The previous week I have forgotten him at times and yet he still shows me his love and mercy is unending.
Yesterday i practically went for the New Balance Run for 10km. Totally unprepared because haven't been training or running much. But i made a short prayer that i would survive and i did. I know this may seem small but its the small things that reminds me of his love and grace and protection that is with me. Even though i had a few blisters on my feet, i came upon this verse even though it was totally out of context: "Surely God is my help, the Lord is the one who sustains me." from somewhere in Psalms. Surely God pulled me through the run and gave me strength.
I want to share something i read up on during my quiet time as well. Its from the book Cultivating Your Inner life by Edmund Chan. This guy mentions that our inner life has at least five dimensions mainly: Our inner compulsions, convictions, conscience, compass and composure.
To me, inner life is something people don't see. Something under the surface and hidden in each and every one of us. However, today i shall share about compulsions. He mentions that if left unchecked our negative compulsions would fuel our self destructive behavior. I think its rather true in a sense that our compulsions come from our feelings and emotions. Be it selfishness or hate, simple provocations by people that we dislike can simply force us to have such negative compulsions. Knowing this, I know I have some anger issues like seriously. I choke up all these bitterness and harshness inside of me before i blow up like a volcano. However, i tend to forget to seek god in these moments of temporary anger. Knowing this I am still trying my bestest to seek him whenever such events occur so that i do not hurt friendships with friends and family members. I believe that compulsions are an important part of our lives. Sometimes driven by fear or aspirations we tend to make decisions and do things that are not appropriate. Everyone has compulsions. But the He says: "My farce is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." We are only human. Let us rely on God to over come all these compulsions we have as we know he would always be there to guide us and love us :)
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Let us be reminded of his plans for us always and that he is always by our sides no matter what and ready to hear our prayers if any.
Have a great week all~!
Jared
what we could have been, 10:07 AM.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Pace of Faith
Then we are about to die so much of life looks different. So much former frenzy seems foolish. When we lie on our deathbed, 99% of the jitters of our life look ridiculous.
So why not learn it now? In the words of Isaiah 28:16, “He who believes shall not be in haste.” Trusting in a loving and sovereign God takes the jitters out of life. I have a pastor friend who never seems to be in a hurry but gets gobs of work done. When people are late he does not waste time pacing the floor. When a fuse blows in the middle of the service he does not fret and fume. When things don’t go his way at the board meeting he doesn’t chew his nails off or tense up. You get the distinct impression that he knows something you don’t know. Sort of like the person who’s read the book already and knows the outcome.
His secret is Isaiah 28:16, “He who believes shall not be in haste.” Believes what? That God is God, and is always at work for those who trust him. If God is at work for us when people are late, and when fuses blow and when board meetings don’t go our way—if God is always at work in everything for our good, then why be in a frenzy? Why get the jitters? Why be in haste?
When Paul says, “The life I live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me,” he means: “Moment by moment I feel confidence that the love which moved Jesus to the cross for me is also moving him now to work in my circumstances for my good.” That’s why Paul could say, “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content" (Philippians 4:11). He believed in the present power and goodness of God and so he was not in haste: no frenzy, no jitters.
Haste makes waste. Waste of peace. Waste of health. Waste of joy. The Lord is never in haste for he has all things under control. What a steady power should mark his people! We dishonor him by our fretful hurrying. The children of the king do not panic when they lose their keys.
Picture a sergeant in Israel’s army at the Red Sea as Pharaoh approaches from behind. He is in much haste and in a great frenzy, flitting about preparing a flotilla, organizing teams to fetch wood and rope and pitch and tools, staying up late, fretting over the lazy workers, bemoaning the shoddy work. Then early one morning a great pain grips his chest, and his left arm goes numb and he becomes nauseous. His workers carry him to his tent atop the hill. And the last thing he sees is the waters of the Red Sea opened with one divine whisper, and the people walking through to safety, leaving his flotilla behind.
Bethlehem, Bethlehem! Your God never sleeps or slumbers. Do not fret or be anxious. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. He is at work for you right now. Trust him. Steady your pace. For “he who believes shall not be in haste.”
Paced by faith,
Pastor John
========================================================================================
hope you guys find it useful
-marcusq
Then we are about to die so much of life looks different. So much former frenzy seems foolish. When we lie on our deathbed, 99% of the jitters of our life look ridiculous.
So why not learn it now? In the words of Isaiah 28:16, “He who believes shall not be in haste.” Trusting in a loving and sovereign God takes the jitters out of life. I have a pastor friend who never seems to be in a hurry but gets gobs of work done. When people are late he does not waste time pacing the floor. When a fuse blows in the middle of the service he does not fret and fume. When things don’t go his way at the board meeting he doesn’t chew his nails off or tense up. You get the distinct impression that he knows something you don’t know. Sort of like the person who’s read the book already and knows the outcome.
His secret is Isaiah 28:16, “He who believes shall not be in haste.” Believes what? That God is God, and is always at work for those who trust him. If God is at work for us when people are late, and when fuses blow and when board meetings don’t go our way—if God is always at work in everything for our good, then why be in a frenzy? Why get the jitters? Why be in haste?
When Paul says, “The life I live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me,” he means: “Moment by moment I feel confidence that the love which moved Jesus to the cross for me is also moving him now to work in my circumstances for my good.” That’s why Paul could say, “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content" (Philippians 4:11). He believed in the present power and goodness of God and so he was not in haste: no frenzy, no jitters.
Haste makes waste. Waste of peace. Waste of health. Waste of joy. The Lord is never in haste for he has all things under control. What a steady power should mark his people! We dishonor him by our fretful hurrying. The children of the king do not panic when they lose their keys.
Picture a sergeant in Israel’s army at the Red Sea as Pharaoh approaches from behind. He is in much haste and in a great frenzy, flitting about preparing a flotilla, organizing teams to fetch wood and rope and pitch and tools, staying up late, fretting over the lazy workers, bemoaning the shoddy work. Then early one morning a great pain grips his chest, and his left arm goes numb and he becomes nauseous. His workers carry him to his tent atop the hill. And the last thing he sees is the waters of the Red Sea opened with one divine whisper, and the people walking through to safety, leaving his flotilla behind.
Bethlehem, Bethlehem! Your God never sleeps or slumbers. Do not fret or be anxious. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. He is at work for you right now. Trust him. Steady your pace. For “he who believes shall not be in haste.”
Paced by faith,
Pastor John
========================================================================================
hope you guys find it useful
-marcusq
what we could have been, 7:07 AM.
hey cellies,
hope you guys aren't too burned out during this week (:
just wanna update you guys an last week sermon by Alvin Chia
"Dispelling Gossip"
overview - the reality of gossips and how biblical principles can be applied to help us guard against them
Talking TO people rather than ABOUT them
- be it good or bad
- informative updates on the person is a more sophisticated version of gossip (so it's still gossip)
- to become like Jesus rather than being in our own fleshly state
(since offences are bound to occur between imperfect humans)
Definition of gossip:
- Proverbs 26:20 ["where no wood is, there the fire goes out; so where there is no talebearer (a person who maliciously gossips or reveals secrets), the strife ceases."]
- gossip acts as the wood for the fire that cause strife
*james 3:10
"from the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so"
so let's remember to guard our mouths in our everyday activities, and instead use our mouth as means of grace, for edification and love.
More importantly, continue to ground yourself in the Word of God and cultivate your inner life with Jesus as the anchor.
For what we develop in our inner life, it will overflow to the outside. Wisdom in thinking, brokenness in attitude, competence in ministry and God's presence in our lives.
To love others as ourselves and to esteem them above us, to seek to show hospitality when your brother/sister is in need.
By asking God to purify our heart and taking out our heart of stone, we can ensure that we speak of the Spirit and not of the world (for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks)
So let's ENCOUNTER the truth, EXPERIENCE the truth and EMBRACE the truth, which is in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
And we can do so with our daily spiritual disciplines, since there is no short cut to this renewing of the mind. (Romans 12:2)
have a great week ahead (:
- marcus jairus q.
hope you guys aren't too burned out during this week (:
just wanna update you guys an last week sermon by Alvin Chia
"Dispelling Gossip"
overview - the reality of gossips and how biblical principles can be applied to help us guard against them
Talking TO people rather than ABOUT them
- be it good or bad
- informative updates on the person is a more sophisticated version of gossip (so it's still gossip)
- to become like Jesus rather than being in our own fleshly state
(since offences are bound to occur between imperfect humans)
Definition of gossip:
- Proverbs 26:20 ["where no wood is, there the fire goes out; so where there is no talebearer (a person who maliciously gossips or reveals secrets), the strife ceases."]
- gossip acts as the wood for the fire that cause strife
*james 3:10
"from the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so"
so let's remember to guard our mouths in our everyday activities, and instead use our mouth as means of grace, for edification and love.
More importantly, continue to ground yourself in the Word of God and cultivate your inner life with Jesus as the anchor.
For what we develop in our inner life, it will overflow to the outside. Wisdom in thinking, brokenness in attitude, competence in ministry and God's presence in our lives.
To love others as ourselves and to esteem them above us, to seek to show hospitality when your brother/sister is in need.
By asking God to purify our heart and taking out our heart of stone, we can ensure that we speak of the Spirit and not of the world (for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks)
So let's ENCOUNTER the truth, EXPERIENCE the truth and EMBRACE the truth, which is in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
And we can do so with our daily spiritual disciplines, since there is no short cut to this renewing of the mind. (Romans 12:2)
have a great week ahead (:
- marcus jairus q.
what we could have been, 2:44 AM.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Here's a verse to ponder on before we present a request to God.
"We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy."
-Daniel 9:18
And I know I'm weak
I know I'm unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace
Because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed
_________________________________________________
Hey guys,
If you haven't noticed, we've stopped our weekly short sharing in cell. (Probably because we are always short of time) Since the cell blog has been revamped, I think this is a good avenue for us to do our weekly short sharing! It will be similar to the weekly blog sharing we used to do. (if you still remember) I will just randomly thumb one of you every week to share something on the blog k, thanks! :D
-Mel
"We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy."
-Daniel 9:18
And I know I'm weak
I know I'm unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace
Because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed
_________________________________________________
Hey guys,
If you haven't noticed, we've stopped our weekly short sharing in cell. (Probably because we are always short of time) Since the cell blog has been revamped, I think this is a good avenue for us to do our weekly short sharing! It will be similar to the weekly blog sharing we used to do. (if you still remember) I will just randomly thumb one of you every week to share something on the blog k, thanks! :D
-Mel
what we could have been, 6:12 PM.
after a long time, the blog is back up (:
since messaging you guys is quite disturbing in a way,
i've decided to revive this dead blog
feel free to post all anything you wish to share here!
including interesting sermons/lessons you have heard
do post any questions here too!
hope we can continue sharing!
In His love,
Marcus Q.
since messaging you guys is quite disturbing in a way,
i've decided to revive this dead blog
feel free to post all anything you wish to share here!
including interesting sermons/lessons you have heard
do post any questions here too!
hope we can continue sharing!
In His love,
Marcus Q.
what we could have been, 4:19 AM.
